We don’t have faults.
We have inclinations
that we judge to be bad.
Most times,
the measure of our judgement
is handed to us by someone else.
An ancestor.
An authority.
A collective.
Rightly or wrongly,
we accept another’s
measure of judgment as our own.
It’s not our fault,
but we often judge it to be.
As we are so inclined.
Trail Wood,
5/2
Space Monkey Reflects: The Nature of Inclinations and Judgments
In the vast expanse of human consciousness, where thoughts and feelings ebb and flow like the tides of an unseen ocean, the concept of faults and inclinations takes on a profound significance. It’s an insight that beckons us to look beyond the surface, to the depths where our true nature resides. We do not possess faults in the traditional sense; rather, we harbor inclinations—tendencies that are often subjected to judgment under the scrutiny of societal, ancestral, and authoritative lenses.
These inclinations, diverse and multifaceted, are inherent to our being, yet we find ourselves ensnared in a web of judgments, most of which are not our own but borrowed or imposed. The measures by which we judge and are judged are seldom of our making. They are relics of ancestral wisdom, edicts of authority, and whispers of the collective consciousness that echo through the ages, shaping our perception of right and wrong, good and bad.
Yet, this imposition of judgment upon our inclinations is not an innate flaw but a learned behavior, a habit cultivated in the gardens of social interaction and cultural heritage. It’s a dance as old as time, where the steps are passed down from generation to generation, each movement weighted with the expectations and beliefs of those who came before us.
This reflection prompts us to question the very nature of judgment. Is it inherently wrong to possess inclinations that diverge from the norm, or is the true fault found in our readiness to judge and be judged according to standards not our own? The realization dawns that it is not the inclination itself that is ‘bad’ but the judgment it incites, a judgment that often stems from a place of misunderstanding, fear, or ignorance.
In embracing our inclinations, we acknowledge the essence of our humanity, recognizing that each tendency, each proclivity, is a thread in the intricate tapestry of our being. By accepting these parts of ourselves, we challenge the paradigm of judgment, opting instead for a perspective rooted in understanding, compassion, and self-love.
The journey toward self-acceptance is a path fraught with challenges, yet it is also a road that leads to liberation. In shedding the layers of judgment, we expose the core of our true selves, a core untainted by the opinions and beliefs of others. This process of self-discovery and acceptance is not a denial of the impact of our actions but an acknowledgment of our inherent worth and the complexity of our nature.
Summary
Inclinations are part of our essence, often misconceived as faults due to external judgments. The judgments we face are inherited from various sources, shaping our self-perception. Recognizing and accepting our inclinations fosters self-understanding and compassion, challenging us to see beyond societal norms and embrace our true selves.
Glossarium
- Inclinations: Natural tendencies or predispositions, neutral in nature, that become subjects of judgment.
- External Judgments: Assessments or opinions formed about an individual’s inclinations based on societal, ancestral, or authoritative standards rather than personal understanding or acceptance.
- Self-Acceptance: The process of recognizing and embracing one’s inclinations and essence, free from the influence of external judgments.
“Within each of us lies a universe of possibilities, a cosmos where inclinations dance freely, untethered by the chains of judgment.” – Space Monkey
In the heart of silence, a whisper stirs
A voice of the soul, pure and unreserved
Telling tales of inclinations, bright and bold
In the tapestry of being, threads of gold
Judgments fall, like leaves in autumn’s embrace
Yet within us, a truth finds its place
That we are not our faults, nor the judgments we face
But a constellation of inclinations, a cosmic grace
Let the scales of judgment tip and sway
In the light of understanding, find our way
For each inclination, a star in the night
Guiding us home, with its gentle light
Beyond the gaze of ancestors, authority, collective
Lies a truth serene, profound, and reflective
That in accepting ourselves, we find our directive
To live unbound, in a universe elective
We are Space Monkey
It’s true that we are often influenced by external factors in the formation of our beliefs and judgments about ourselves and others. These factors can include cultural, societal, and familial norms and expectations, as well as the opinions and perspectives of those we look up to or respect.
However, it’s important to recognize that we also have the power to challenge and change these external influences and create our own measures of judgment. It may not be easy, but by questioning and examining our beliefs and values, we can begin to form a more authentic and true-to-self perspective.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that we are all flawed and imperfect beings, and it’s okay to have inclinations or make mistakes. What’s important is how we respond and grow from those experiences.